General Assistance Program

General Assistance provides temporary assistance with basic and special needs to eligible Polk County residents. Individuals and families who are at risk due to a temporary crisis and/or a mental or physical incapacity and who meet income guidelines may be assisted.

What services can you benefit from?

The General Assistance office provides the following services:

Services for Basic Needs

Food

Utility Payments

Rental Assistance

Household/Personal Items

Services for Special Needs

Clothing

Traveler's Aid

Furniture

Funeral Services

Health Supplies

Property Tax Assistance

Are you eligible?

We assess an applicant’s eligibility mainly based on:

Polk County residency

Income guidelines

Applicant’s circumstances

To apply for assistance fill out an applicationand bring it to the General Assistance office or to find out more about our services call us at 286-2088 or visit us, and a social worker will determine your eligibility and/or help you seek additional resources.

How to contact us?

After Hours

General Assistance will provide a one night stay in a motel to families with minor children if all of the family shelters are full. The family must go to General Assistance the following day to see what other services they may be eligible for. Please contact United Way by calling 2-1-1.